Hello there, this post is a little different to my usual Asset Management, Technology, and Business Improvement topics I usually write about. But, as I look around I see lots of exhausted faces. Wherever you are in the world, the last few years have undoubtedly been stressful. And now, even though we're only 2 months into this new year, people are telling me they already feel worn out.
Welcome to the Iamdata Solutions Asset Management Mid-Month Newsletter - 17 February 2024
Life can throw us some serious curveballs sometimes. Whether it’s major weather events, work overload, or trying to maintain some semblance of a work-life balance. It's easy to feel like we're drowning in a sea of stress.
Here are 6 tips I use to try to help navigate those stormy waters (recent cyclone and flooding pun intended!), and emerge stronger, calmer, and more resilient than ever before.
Take a Walk on the Bright Side
This is most definitely my number 1 tip!
Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, tired, or if I’m stuck on a problem where I know I know the answer, but the answer is just eluding me, Oscar and I head off to the beach. Going for a walk is like hitting the reset button for your brain. Whether you're walking barefoot on a sandy beach, strolling through a lush park, marching through bustling city streets, or even just ambling along the length of your street and back, the fresh air and change of scenery can work wonders for your mood. Plus, I find the rhythmic motion of walking can help calm those racing thoughts and bring back order to the chaos.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
In today's fast-paced world, it's all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But taking a few moments each day to practice mindfulness and meditation can make a world of difference when it comes to managing stress.
I must admit that I am not as good at this as I'd like to be. Whenever I do try to do a meditation, I fall asleep immediately! But, if you can incorporate this into your day this practice can help you feel more grounded, cantered, and at peace, and be more able to tackle stressful situations.
Unplug and Disconnect
Virtually impossible for me – but I do try and it does help. In a world where we're constantly bombarded with emails, notifications, and endless to-do lists, it's important to carve out some time each day to unplug and disconnect from the digital noise.
My rules - I always turn off my phone during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I step away from the computer at least an hour before bed. It’s difficult for me as a small business owner to always give myself permission to step away from the constant stream of information, but I do try and I benefit from unplugging myself.
Prioritise Self-Care
This is another difficult one for me – and many others who are passionate about their work and feel a deep obligation to help everyone who needs it. But – let’s all say it together…..self-care is not selfish!
In fact, over the years I found that it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself, especially when you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed. It could be something really simple like treating yourself to a bubble bath, indulging in your favourite hobby, or simply curling up with a good book and a cup of tea (not wine!) Prioritising self-care is essential for maintaining your sanity and replenishing your emotional reserves.
Reach Out, Connect and Have a Good Laugh
Working for many hours mainly by myself, I really appreciate interactions with my family, my friends, my clients, and of course my ever faithful and loving Oscar the dog. When life gets tough, it's easy to feel like you're all alone in the struggle. But the truth is, we're all in this together, and there's strength in numbers. So, reach out to friends, family members, or trusted colleagues for support and connection.
They say that laughter is contagious, and for good reason! There's something truly magical about sharing a good laugh, even with strangers. Laughter has been shown to reduce stress hormones, boost the immune system, and promote a sense of connection and camaraderie. Whether you're swapping funny stories with coworkers, watching a hilarious movie with loved ones, or simply indulging in some silly memes on social media, don't underestimate the power of laughter to brighten your day and lighten your load. It feels so good to let out a hearty belly laugh, and remember that even in the midst of life's challenges, there's always room for a little humour. Check out this podcast on Laughter: Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley · 8 November 2023
Listen to Music
Music has an incredible power to soothe the soul and lift our spirits, especially during times of stress. I often find myself wandering down a YouTube 'rabbit hole'. Suddenly, I realise the evening has gone and I've spent the last 3 hours listening to bands and artists old and new. The good news is that research has shown that listening to music can help reduce anxiety, lower cortisol levels, and even improve mood and overall well-being. That doesn't surprise me, I know I feel pretty good after one of my self-indulgent YouTube nights! So, whether you're cranking up your favourite tunes during your commute, unwinding with some classical melodies after a long day, or blasting your go-to playlist while tackling those unavoidable chores, music can be a powerful antidote to stress.
How Can I help?
As I said before, this post is a little different from my usual posts, but still very important and I hope a reminder to anyone feeling the strain to take some time for themselves, and try and get as much assistance as you need whether at home or at work.
If one of your stresses is work related, perhaps I can help? If you are grappling with work-related stress, especially in the realm of asset management, asset systems, and data analysis, you're not alone. There are so many moving parts sitting under the Asset Management umbrella!
I am an experienced Asset Management Data, Systems and Power BI Consultant specialising in assisting Councils with all manner of Asset Management tasks. I've helped many organisations streamline their processes, optimise their asset management systems, and harness the power of data-driven insights to make informed decisions.
One good thing that Covid brought about is that we now have the processes and infrastructure in place that makes working remotely easy, and this mode of service delivery is actually preferred by my clients.
Some examples below:
If you're facing challenges associated with asset management, asset data and systems, or would like to gain more insights from your data by utilising Power BI, then I'm here to lend my expertise and support. Email me at jill.singleton@iamdata.solutions
I have worked on many different projects with my Local Government clients, from designing and developing Power BI Reports, to building SQL Server databases for spatial data, to managing and maintaining the GIS and the Asset Management systems. If you'd like to discuss how we might work together, then please email me at ➡️ jill.singleton@iamdata.solutions
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